The U.S. Department of State has announced sanctions against two Chinese entities, Yin Kecheng and Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD, for their alleged involvement in malicious cyber activities targeting U.S. government systems and critical infrastructure.
Yin Kecheng, described as a “Shanghai-based malicious cyber actor and PRC Ministry of State Security affiliate,” is linked to the recent compromise of the Department of Treasury’s network.
Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD, a cybersecurity company based in Sichuan, is accused of direct involvement in the Salt Typhoon cyber espionage campaign. This campaign has been responsible for numerous intrusions into U.S. telecommunication and internet service provider companies.
In a statement, the State Department declared, “PRC-based hackers pose a persistent and significant threat to our national security and these intrusions into U.S. government systems and critical infrastructure are examples of the PRC’s willingness to operate in a malicious and reckless manner in cyberspace.”
The U.S. is taking a multi-pronged approach to counter these threats:
- Sanctions: Economic sanctions have been imposed on the individuals and entities involved.
- International Collaboration: The U.S. is sharing information with allies and partners to help them identify and defend against similar intrusions.
- Rewards for Justice Program: The State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of individuals involved in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure on behalf of foreign governments.
The U.S. government is committed to using all available tools to “impose costs for, defend against, and deter PRC cyber threats to the safety and security of Americans, U.S. critical infrastructure, and that of our allies and partners.”
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